‘Colombians’ appetite for investing abroad is growing’

The record for Colombian investment abroad until July is not something new for Juan Felipe Giraldo, CEO of Bancolombia Capital in Miami, a firm that in two years has already managed more than US$720 million from a large part of Colombian citizens who have not only acquired real estate assets, but also financial ones.

How have these last two years been?

The company has managed more than US$720 million, which is higher than expected. We have an experienced team in Miami. The operation is solid and the product and service offering is on a par with other firms with more experience and assets under management.

(Read more: Nuam and Asobolsa celebrate the results achieved at the Regional Congress).

Who are Bancolombia Capital’s clients?

Our operation is the premium segment of Bancolombia in private banking and with assets exceeding US$ 500,000, but that does not mean that other subsidiaries of the group such as Panama or Colombia also serve clients with international investments.

We operate investments with shares, ETFs, investment funds, mutual funds, alternative funds, etc. The way in which clients arrive is varied and they draw up investment horizons and with third parties with whom we form alliances, they are in charge of the distribution of the clients and they also participate and interact with the advisors in Miami and Bancolombia and Valores Bancolombia.

(Besides: How much money has the ‘uncertainty’ of recent years cost the country, according to Andi).

What do you think about the record number of Colombians investing abroad for US$ 2,045 million in the first seven months of 2024?

As the figures show, the appetite for investing abroad is growing. There are more possibilities to learn about investments. Before, we were limited to that. There is a belief that investing abroad is complex. That has been revalued, as there are easy alternatives and entities like us that invest in Colombia and now abroad. Clients are not wrong, as a study by JP Morgan says that in Latin America, of every US$100 invested, 3% is abroad and 97% in the country of origin, but in the US the ratio is 30% abroad and 70% in the country.

(Besides: Nubank, despite its growth, accumulates ‘dubious’ credits, according to experts).

In the Colombian Global Market you can invest in well-known international options…

The Stock Exchange and entities such as Valores Bancolombia place international instruments in the hands of locals, but investments must be an organized and not random process. Some believe that because they see an attractive return on investing, they will get the same. The MGC must be a disciplined thing because it is not as if they will have an immediate return.

What effect will the US rate cut have?

Economic theory would suggest that the peso will fall, but this analysis is not that easy, as it will depend on factors such as risk premiums or investment flows.

HOLMAN RODRIGUEZ MARTINEZ
Portfolio Journalist